Overview
- The Financial Times investigation published Tuesday says a covert, multiyear programme codenamed C430L began in 2023 and was arranged by Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport together with NPO Mashinostroyenia.
- Leaked records reviewed by the FT show senior Russian missile engineers made repeated trips to Iran, analysed Iranian flight-test telemetry and sent detailed technical queries about fuel systems, combustion stability, air intakes and nozzles.
- Rosoboronexport proposed sending a delegation of specialists in April 2025, and correspondence indicates technical cooperation and planning continued into 2026 according to the documents the FT obtained.
- Iran has reportedly built and flight‑tested a ramjet engine, but open-source checks and officials have not confirmed any Russian‑assisted supersonic cruise missile is operationally deployed.
- Experts say the transfers would be highly sensitive and likely needed top political approval in Moscow, and Western capitals may respond with further intelligence assessments, diplomacy or sanctions as the report is investigated.